The 10 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in France You Shouldn't Miss Out

Gorges du Verdon has some of Europe's best outdoor activities in a beautiful canyon. You can rent kayaks or pedal boats to explore the blue-green Verdon River from below. Walking trails like the Sentier Martel give you amazing views along the canyon edge. People who love adventure enjoy rock climbing and bungee jumping. There are also scenic driving routes for easier sightseeing.

Mont Saint-Michel is a medieval abbey built starting in the 8th century on a tidal island that gets completely surrounded by water twice each day. The tall towers and stone walls create a fairy-tale shape against the sky. Inside, you can explore the abbey church, peaceful gardens, and old halls. Small streets below have shops, restaurants, and museums. You should visit during high tide for the best water views.

Lyon is France's food capital with great places like Vieux Lyon that has old Renaissance buildings and hidden walkways called traboules. You'll get beautiful city views from the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière on the hill. The Presqu'île area has good shopping and dining along walking streets. The Confluence area has modern buildings including the special Musée des Confluences. You can try local food at traditional restaurants called bouchons throughout the city.

Provence has lavender field tours in Valensole from June to August, making purple landscapes perfect for photos. You can explore small hilltop villages like Gordes and Roussillon with their stone houses and narrow streets. Wine tasting tours visit local farms that make Côtes du Rhône wines. Outdoor markets in towns like Aix-en-Provence sell local products, herbs, and crafts. Walking and cycling paths connect villages through olive tree areas and countryside.

Paris has must-see places like the Eiffel Tower for sunset views and the Louvre Museum that houses the famous Mona Lisa painting. You can visit Montmartre area for the Sacré-Cœur church and artistic Place du Tertre. The Champs-Élysées street leads to the Arc de Triomphe with shopping and monuments along the way. Beautiful church buildings like Notre-Dame Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle show old French style. You should take boat trips on the Seine River for different views of the city's famous places.

Corsica has mountain hiking opportunities, including parts of the famous GR20 trail for people who are good at hiking. Beautiful beaches like Palombaggia and Santa Giulia have white sand and clear water. You can explore Bonifacio's dramatic clifftop town and take boat trips to nearby caves. The island makes special wines and local foods like wild boar and chestnuts. Coastal towns have water sports and diving activities throughout the year.

The Palace of Versailles shows French royal luxury at its best, built by King Louis XIV in the 17th century. You can walk through the famous Hall of Mirrors with 357 mirrors that reflect natural light throughout the long room. The King's and Queen's rooms display old furniture and artwork from the royal time. Large gardens have fountains, statues, and the smaller Trianon palaces. You should visit during weekend musical fountain shows in summer months.

Bordeaux has a historic city center with 18th-century buildings along the Garonne River. You can see the famous Water Mirror reflecting pool at Place de la Bourse. The Cité du Vin has interactive wine experiences and tastings with city views from above. Saint-Pierre and Saint-Michel areas have busy markets, restaurants, and nightlife. You can take day trips to nearby wine areas like Saint-Émilion for vineyard tours and tastings.

Rocamadour is a medieval religious site built into cliff faces starting in the 12th century around the shrine of the Black Madonna statue. You can climb the Grand Escalier stairs or take the elevator to reach the religious building level. The site has seven small churches, the special sword Durandal, and wide valley views. Traditional restaurants and souvenir shops fill the village below. Evening lights create a magical feeling against the dramatic rock walls.

The French Riviera has glamorous places like Nice with its Promenade des Anglais and colorful old town markets. You can visit Cannes with its famous film festival buildings and luxury shopping streets. Monaco has the Monte Carlo Casino and Prince's Palace tours for visitors. Antibes has the Picasso Museum and charming harbor markets. Beach resorts, yacht watching, and Mediterranean food define the sophisticated coastal lifestyle throughout the area.